First, I do have Mr. Garrett's book on organic vegetable gardening in Texas and refer to it often. My herbs are going on their fourth year, peppers have done well annually, okra and tomatoes okay. Now it's time to expand the garden. I'm digging out/ tilling up black clay and mixing 50% of it w/ Garret's soil mix to a depth of 18 to 24 inches, plus raising the beds about 6 inches. Living in Plano, I have a few questions: 1. While digging in the clay about 16 inches down, I've run across a 6" or so thick seam of caliche in some areas. I assume this should all be thrown out. 2. This clay obviously does not drain well. Squash and zucchini planted in the new beds all died immediately following last week's rain. Is it because of overwatering? What to do? 3. A few of the jalapenos have small bored holes and have dropped off. What is this and how to control? I have sprayed with Garrett Juice mixed with orange oil. I did make my own juice with home made compost tea and the other ingredients called for. 4. A lot of my tomatoes have cat face. I've read what causes this and think I've done the right things: consistent moisture, side dressing and pruning leaves. Maybe I'm just impatient?
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